David Kidwell is a conductor who is equally at home with the standard orchestra repertoire, contemporary music, choral literature, and musical theatre productions. He has drawn praise from critics and orchestras for his clear beat, efficient rehearsal technique, innovative programming, and organizational and interpersonal skills. He is a passionate advocate of music by living composers, having commissioned seven new works and conducted 26 world premieres. Kidwell conducts with the perspective of a composer, striving to eliminate questionable performance traditions and remain true to composers' intentions.

"Kidwell has made an indelible mark on the 35-year-old Holyoke Civic Symphony, engendering increasing levels of commitment and capability with each year of his tenure."

The Republican (Springfield, MA)

"That [Kidwell] can bring this high caliber of interpretation to an amateur group like this one is remarkable."

The Sun (Holyoke, MA)

"With contained energy and an upward-sweeping, encouraging delivery, Kidwell conveyed his clear, buoyant concept of the Dvorak to the musicians, and moments of very pleasurable playing rewarded his efforts."